3rd Grade Culture Project We are beginning our study of countries from around the world! The students have been assigned a special project. They are to research information on the country they have chosen. They may do this by reading books, researching on the internet, or using almanacs and encyclopedias. Many of these resources may be above the third grade reading level. Therefore your child may need help putting the information into simpler language. The goal of the project is to have the students learn about another country: the food, language, clothing, natural resources, famous people, tourist attractions, money, national flag, major cities, etc. After reading and researching your child may choose to design a culture box (a shoe box works well) or a culture poster that demonstrates what they have learned about their country. If your child chooses the “box” format, the outside of the box can be decorated with the country’s flag, a map, or copies/drawings of interesting architecture or places. Inside the box the students place samples or examples of items that pertain to their country. These can be items from the country, pictures they have drawn, photocopies, food samples (this is a big hit with the class!), money, etc. The children should write a few lines about each item in and on the box on index cards. If your child chooses to do a poster he/she can include photos, drawings, postcards etc. with descriptions that explain each one. Here are examples of things you could include in your project: The money in Japan is called yen. About 132 yen equal 1 US dollar. (Your item may be a picture of yen from the internet.) Do you want to speak Japanese? Here are a few words for you; konnichiwa means hello; sayonara means goodbye. (Your item may be a sample of Japanese writing or the Japanese alphabet.) The Japanese flag has a red circle on a white background. The circle in the middle of the flag represents the sun. Japan's name translates to "The land of the rising sun." The white represents honesty and purity and the red disc is a sun symbol meaning brightness, sincerity and warmth. (Your item may be a picture you drew of the Japanese flag.) Students will present their culture project to classmates so that we can learn about as many different countries/cultures as possible. CULTURE PROJECT DETAILS: 1. **Due Date: Monday, May 19, 2014 (However, if your child completes his/her project early, please feel free to send it in so he/she can present it earlier. It will take us time to complete all the presentations and still keep up with our other curriculum.) 2. Culture Project requirements: The country’s flag with a description of its meaning or origin A map showing what continent the country is located on and the capital city The main language as well as some common words in the language (i.e. hello, good-bye, please, thank you, yes and no) The money system The type of government and the political leader 3. Your culture project should also include at least 3 of the following items: Popular sports Animals Food Clothing Famous people from the country Homes Architecture, i.e. famous buildings or structures Geography, i.e. famous natural sites (mountains, rivers, seas, etc.) Tourist attractions Holidays Education compared to ours Climate Religion Economy (chief export, industry and/or crop) Any other interesting facts you learn and would like to share with the class 4. Please refer to the attached rubric as you work on your project. 5. Students should be prepared to share what they have learned about their country by giving an oral presentation to the class.